SYNdicate cafe

Jingumae, Shibuya · Tokyo · Steep Index 8.4/10

A raw concrete room in the heart of Harajuku that earns its calm.

The Steep Index

The interior does the heavy lifting and does it well. Coffee is honest and consistent without trying to be the main event, and the baked cheesecake earns its reputation. A well-rounded score for a space that gives you exactly what this part of Harajuku needs more of.

• Coffee / Drink Quality: 8.5/10
• Atmosphere: 8.6/10
• Solo-Friendliness: 8.5/10
• Value: 8.3/10
• Staying Power: 8.0/10
• Overall: 8.4/10

Perfect for: people watching, slow weekend, reading, first date

The Space

Raw exposed concrete walls, open windows, and enough natural light to make you feel welcoming rather than cold. Around 25 seats, a terrace out front, ideal for people watching, and rotating art on the walls with a small library corner in the back.

The Coffee

The espresso-based menu is solid and unpretentious, with a clean latte that does exactly what you need it to do. Order the french toast or baked cheesecake alongside it and you will not regret it, Western-style, properly dense, and one of the better reasons to sit down in this part of the city.

The nicely cold brew is exactly what you need. Order the french toast or the baked cheesecake alongside it.

The Vibe

Creative Harajuku crowd, local regulars, and the occasional tourist who wandered off the main drag and found something worth staying for. The staff are friendly and accommodating without making it a performance. House music keeps the room from going too quiet without ever getting in the way.

The Verdict

One minute from Meiji-Jingumae Station and a world away from the street noise outside. One of the better rooms to sit in and a coffee and cheesecake worth planning around.

Practical information

• Address: 1F Harajuku Central Place, 1-10-34 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001
• Price: ¥¥
• Type: specialty
• Wifi available
• Laptop friendly

@syndicate_cafe2021

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